NWC welcomes publication of first Phase of new Childcare Action Plan
Published: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
NWC welcomes positive actions in childcare Plan but warns that real structural reform is needed in the next Phase
The National Women’s Council (NWC) today (17th December) welcomed the publication of Shaping the Future, the first phase of the new Action Plan on Affordable, High-Quality, Accessible Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, but warned that real structural reform will be needed in the more substantial second phase of the Plan due next year, which should be focused on outlining a roadmap to a public system of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Commenting on the new Action Plan, Donal Swan, Women’s Economic Equality Coordinator at the National Women’s Council said,
“Ireland continues to have one of the highest levels of private childcare provision and some of the highest fees in Europe, even with public subsidies. Many women and families continue to struggle to find a place for their children. The sector is facing constant recruitment and retention issues driven by pay and conditions for educators which doesn’t value their vital roles.
“There are some very welcome elements to the Action Plan Phase 1, but it is very much a stopgap part of the plan full of short-term actions. In particular, increases in the income limits for the National Childcare Scheme will expand the impact of the subsidies and reduce childcare bills for many families on lower incomes. However, additional funding for private subsidies alone cannot fix a system that is structurally flawed. Only a universal, public system of early childhood education and care, can deliver the affordability, quality and sustainability that families and educators need.
“Phase 2 of this Action Plan will be the real test of this Government’s vision for the early years sector, and it must contain a roadmap to a public system of early childhood education and care that guarantees an affordable, accessible and inclusive place for every child and values the vital work done by educators.”
Alexandra Richardson, Policy and Campaigns Officer, NWC, said:
“The Together for Public Alliance, the campaign group working for a public system of early years, looks forward to engaging with the Government as part of the Phase 2 public consultation in the New Year. This work must be undertaken with urgency and ambition for real structural reform of the sector, so that we can deliver an early years system that works for children, women, families, educators, providers and communities.”
Together for Public is an alliance led by the National Women’s Council since 2023, bringing together more than 40 trade unions, women’s organisations, anti-poverty groups, educators, parents and providers campaigning for a universal, affordable public childcare system to address issues of accessibility, affordability and quality and ensure women with young children can participate fully in all areas of society.